On catwalk - Antonio Marras Spring/Summer 2011

On catwalk - Rochas Spring/Summer 2011

On catwalk - Veronique Leroy Spring/Summer 2011

Sophisticated femininity and burlesque seduction blend in versatile beachwear that offers poetic high performance, a hint of corsetry, and exotic flowers just as Nature designed. Evanescent or very graphic, swimsuits with a retro mood and futuristic fabrics create a summer full of sunny memories.

From gardensNew nymphs float in swimsuits with contemporary styling and fantastic botanical prints. Nanette and Rochas cover them with calyx, petals, and dreamy giant flowers, while marc by marcjacobs adorns them in a subtler, minimal white and red motif. They glow in the opalescent organic lightness of Kristina T and shine in the dazzling sequins of Blugirl. D&G’s stylized geometric print swimsuit is a luminescent vegetal froufrou.

From the pastThere is the efficiency and simplicity of American sportswear from the Fifties and the alluring silhouettes of swimsuits from the Forties. Like the styles shown in the photo from the Nineties, the swimsuits of Nanette and Les Copains combine sportswear and lingerie. The elegance of the latter – a swimsuit styled as a dress – is reminiscent of the Pucci style photographed by Avedon in August 1967.

Yigal Azrouel takes the swimsuit made popular by Coco Chanel in the 30s and Eres in the 60s and updates it with technical, ergonomic black fabric. Marras turns it into beachwear with a striking texture, while Veronique Leroy turns it into couture for a sexy heroine that goes beyond the bustier.